Back tostdlib
blog post
New

Why We Spiral

Questions of who we are or what we're worth can send us into a tailspin. But the very same processes that pull us down can propel us up, too.

Overview
This article explores the psychological concept of spirals, describing how negative self-talk and limiting beliefs can trap individuals in a downward cycle, while the same mechanisms can be harnessed to create upward momentum and personal growth.

Key Takeaways

  • Recognize the triggers that start a negative spiral and learn to interrupt them.
  • Reframe self-defeating thoughts to transform the spiral into a positive feedback loop.
  • Apply behavioral science principles to foster resilience and improve decision-making under pressure.

Who Would Benefit

  • Technical leaders looking to understand and manage their own cognitive biases.
  • Engineering managers seeking strategies to boost team morale during challenging projects.
  • Software developers interested in personal development and effective self-leadership.

Frameworks and Methodologies

  • Cognitive reappraisal techniques.
  • Growth mindset principles.
  • Behavioral feedback loops for continuous improvement.
Source: behavioralscientist.org
#leadership#technical leadership#engineering management#behavioral science#psychology#self awareness#decision making

Explore more resources

Check out the full stdlib collection for more frameworks, templates, and guides to accelerate your technical leadership journey.